MULTNOMAH TRUNK FACTORY
Portland
November 1899: “The Multnomah Trunk Company are making preparations to build a mill to cut lumber for their factory. The mill will have a capacity of about 20,000 feet daily. Until the new mill is in operation the company will use the Sellwood mill to cut their lumber.” (The Columbia River and Oregon Timberman)
November 1899: “The Multnomah Trunk Company is Portland's latest addition to the trunk and box establishments of the city. The factory has been in operation since may and is doing a flourishing business. S. E. Wrenn, the president and manager, was formerly connected with the Multnomah Box Factory. This firm do quite an extensive business in the manufacture of boxes and trunks of every description. They ship as far east as Ohio. The manufacture of coffee drums from cottonwood is the latest products to be turned out by this company.” (The Columbia River and Oregon Timberman)
February 1900: “The Multnomah Trunk and Box Factory have added a neat little mill to their already complete plant and are now in shape to cut spruce until further orders. Mr. Wrenn, the capable manager of the concern, reports business as very fair, and with a promising outlook for fruit, feels quite hopeful. This firm are now turning out quite a quantity of coffee urns made of cottonwood veneer. The machinery for the manufacture of these goods is the invention of Mr. Wrenn's and works very satisfactorily. Heretofore these goods were made in San Francisco. The cottonwood veneer was peeled at Hoquiam and shipped to this city. The Portland factory will hereafter supply these goods. Several hundred dollars' worth are used in this city each month.” (The Columbia River and Oregon Timberman)